The Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Center of the Philippines welcomed the Economy and Development (ED) Council's approval of the PHP2.6-billion (US$ 42 million) variation order for the LRT-1 South Extension Common Station Project in Metro Manila.

The PPP Center has actively supported the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Light Rail Transit Authority in the preparation and processing of the variation.

The Manila LRT-1 Extension O&M Project, implemented by Light Rail Manila Corporation (LRMC), covers the operations and maintenance of the rail system, as well as the financing, design, construction, operations and maintenance of the South Extension. According to LRMC, LRT-1 recorded an average daily ridership of more than 440,000 passengers as of February 2026. Once completed, the South Extension is expected to accommodate an additional 300,000 passengers daily and significantly ease traffic congestion in Parañaque and Las Piñas in Metro Manila and Bacoor in Cavite.

The approved variation order for the Common Station, amounting to PHP2.6 billion, covers station completion works, viaduct construction, railway systems, signaling, and the integration of the automatic fare collection system. Interim operations are slated to start by March 2028. Once fully operational, the Common Station will serve as a seamless interchange connecting LRT-1, MRT-3, MRT-7, and the Metro Manila Subway. It is expected to accommodate approximately 1.28 million passengers daily, significantly reducing transfer times and improving access to jobs, education, and essential services across Metro Manila.